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Review
. 2022 Apr;46(3):151525.
doi: 10.1016/j.semperi.2021.151525. Epub 2021 Nov 9.

Moral equivalence theory in neonatology

Matthew Lin  1 , Giselle G Vitcov  2 , Christy L Cummings  3
Affiliations
Review

Moral equivalence theory in neonatology

Matthew Lin et al. Semin Perinatol. 2022 Apr.

Abstract

This article explores the ethical concept of "the equivalence thesis" (ET), or the idea that withdrawing and withholding life sustaining treatments are morally equivalent practices, within neonatology. We review the historical origins, theory, and clinical rationale behind ET, and provide an analysis of how ET relates to literature that describes neonatal mode of death and healthcare professional and parent attitudes towards end-of-life care. While ET may serve as an ethical tool to optimize resource allocation in theory, its clinical utility is limited given the complexity of end-of-life care decisions.

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Conflict of interest statement

Declaration of Competing Interest The authors report no proprietary or commercial interest in any product mentioned or concept discussed in this article. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institutes of Health. Dr. Cummings is supported by a grant from the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) of the National Institutes of Health under award number R01HD094794 (CC PI).

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